The idea behind this blog is to educate/help/enlighten and not to create controversy or to incite. The opinions and views expressed on this blog are purely personal. Please be soft in your language, respect Copyrights and provide credits/links wherever possible.The blog team indemnifies itself of any legal issues that may arise out of any information/ views posted by anyone on the blog. E-mail: gavinivn@gmail.com

Saturday, October 31, 2009

The STATION WARRANT OFFICER, urgently summoned me at about 1100 hrs on 31.10.1984, for a SPECIAL BRIEFING since I was the GUARD COMMANDER of the day. On reaching his office, I saw the ORDERLY SERGEANT and THE ORDERLY OFFICER were waiting. On trooping into the Stn Adjt office, the DUTY OFFICER of the day was waiting for us.

The STN ADJT informed us that the PRIME MINISTER SMT INDIRA GANDHI was shot dead by her body guards in the morning in Delhi.. Immensely SHOCKED and DEEPLY HURT we FELL SILENT. A GREAT VISIONARY AND TALL LEADER HAD LOST HER LIFE.

The detailed instructions were given to be extra vigilant and to face the unusual situationin the Camp area and in HYDERABAD. All HELL broke loose in the city and the camp area was restless. The news pouring in from the city, on the aftermath were simply disturbing.

There were prisoners in the cell and one of them was in tantrums and was continuously attracting our attention. Each minute was passing dead slow. The telephones were constantly ringing. Queries, Answers. Yes Sirs, Right Sirs, Okay Sirs, No Sirs, Will do Sirs were many.

Somehow, the day passed off with great pain, difficulty and disturbance..

But the next day was more exacting and problematic. Reports, on this and that. Endless Personal meetings and explanations went on upto 1300 hrs. In the meanwhile nothing was known about me to my family. My wife came in search of me at 1230 hrs. And then went home and slept till next day.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

THE LONG WAIT FOR THE NEW AND REVISED PENSION ORDERS OF THE GOVT (BASED ON THE CoS REPORT OF 30.6.09) IS CONTINUED..... AND FOR A CHANGE, JUST FOR LAUGHS....(HUMOUR CATEGORY) ...Posted below is A Computer Engineer’s narration of Ramayana, for the information of all Veteran Brothers:-
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This is a small riddle kind of a thing. Just imagine a Computer Engineer narrates Ramayana.

LAN, LAN ago, in the SYSTEM of I/O-dhya, there ruled a PROCESSOR named DOS-rat. Once he EXECUTED a great sacrifice PROGRAM after which his queens gave an OUTPUT of four SONs - RAM, LSIman, BUG-rat and SED-rughana.

RAM the eldest was a MICROCHIP with excellent MEMORY. His brothers, however, were only PERIPHERAL ICs. Once when RAM was only 16MB, he married princess C ta.

12years passed and DOS-rat decided to INSTALL RAM as his successor. However, Queen CIE/CAE(Kayegayee), who was once offered a boon by DOS-rat for a lifesaving HELP COMMAND, took this opportunity at the instigation of her BIOSed maid and insisted that her son Bug-rat be INSTALLED and that RAM be CUT-N-PASTED to the forest for 14 years.

At this cruel and unexpected demand, a SURGE passed through DOS-rat and he CRASHED like unstable version of AI MSN does in intel.

RAM agreed to LOG INTO forest and C ta insisted to LOGIN with him. LSI-man also resolved on LOGGING IN with his brother. The forest was the dwelling of SPARCnakha, the TRAN-SISTOR of RAW-van, PROCESSOR of LAN-ka. Attracted by RAM, she proposed that he should marry her. RAM, politely declined, perceiving C ta to be his SOURCE CODE. She hastened to kill her but LSI-man cut her nossile PERIPHERAL. Weeping, SPARC-nakha fled to LAN-ka, where RAW-van, moved by TRAN-SISTOR s plight, approached his uncle MAR-icha.

MAR-icha REPROGRAMED himself to form a golden stag and drew RAM deep into the forest. Finally, RAM shot the deer, which, with his last breath, cried out for LSI-man in voice of RAM s SOUND CARD. Fooled by this VIRTUAL RAM SOUND, C ta urged LSI-man to his brother said. Catching the opportunity, RAW-van DELINKED C ta from her LIBRARY and changed her ROOT DIRECTORY to LAN-ka.

RAM and LSI-man started SEARCHING for the missing C ta all over the forest. They made friendship with the forest SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR Akshat sorry… SU-greev and his powerful co-processor Ha-NEUMAN . who agreed to help RAM. SU-greev ordered his PROGRAMMERS to use powerful SEARCH techniques learnt in GOOGLE to FIND the missing C ta. His PROGRAMMERS SEARCHED all around the INTER-NETworked forests. Many tried to EXCITE the birds and animals not to forget the WEBCRAWLERS (Insects) and tried to INFOSEEK something about C ta. Some of them even shouted YAA-HOO but they all ended up with NO FOUND MESSAGES Google, Lycos nothing was left untouched. The only thing they forgot was to mail iitcse01 & get PTI s help.

Ha-NEUMAN then devised a RISCy TECHNOLOGY and used it to cross the seas at an astonishing CLOCK SPEED. Soon Ha-NEUMAN DOWNLOADED himself into LAN-ka. Ha-NEUMAN found C ta under a brown - green (as Brahma will call it) TREE STRUCTURE Ha-NEUMAN used the LOGIN ID (ring) to identify himself to C ta. After DECRYPTING THE KEY, C ta asked him to send STATUS_OK MESSAGE to RAM.

Meanwhile all raakshasa BUGS around C ta captured Ha-NEUMAN to DELETE him using everything including Ctrl-Alt-Del. But Ha-NEUMAN spread chaos by spreading VIRUS Fire . Ha-NEUMAN pressed ESCAPE from LAN-kaand & conveyed all the STATUS MESSAGES to RAM and SU-greev.

RAW-wan decided to take RAM head-on. One of the RAW-wan s SUN almost DELETED LSI-man with a Brahma -astra. But Ha-NEUMAN resorted to some ACTIVE-Xgradients and REFORMATTED LSI-man. RAM used the SOURCE CODE secrets of RAW-wan and wiped out RAW-wan’s presence on earth.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

THE FOLLOWING IS POSTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF INFORMATION OF ALL VETERAN BROTHERS:-
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Dear Veterans,

Regards. Most of our veterans brothers are eagerly asking about the cause of delay in granting OROP as announced by the Govt in the last Budget speech on 06-07-2009 by Finance Minister and then in Parliament on 13-07-2009, by none other than, Defence Minister and finally on Independence Day by Hon'ble Prime Minister. Veterans must note one thing that OROP as announced by Govt. ( which is in fact Improved Pension) is not ( R) not same as is being asked by certain organizations resorting to returning of medals, which no govt. so far has initiated to grant in spite of many tall promises in the past nor any govt. will ever dare to grant in near future because of certain complicacies involved in this exercise.

Now the delay being caused in granting improved pension, is due to the fact that with such protests the govt gets breather to delay their action without inviting any brickbats saying that such and such org. does not accept what is being planned to be given. This is a bad luck for the underprivileged veterans, who count for 96% of the total lot but get their due at the last after a great struggle. Those heading such organizations, in fact, do not want that underprivileged veteran should get any thing which would, temporarily, satisfy them fearing they might not attend their call to show the strength when they blow the whistle .

As such, grant of OROP by the govt. is being delayed. But be assured, we will get it soon.

Monday, October 26, 2009

THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL FROM THE IESM IS POSTED BELOW FOR THE BENEFIT OF INFORMATION OF ALL VETERAN BROTHERS:-
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Dear Veterans,

A copy of the Press Release on today’s event at Jantar Mantar New Delhi where 2000 medals were deposited with the President is enclosed. You are requested to pass on the information to the maximum ESM, Govt functionaries, MPs, MLAs and other organizations to solicit their support to the cause of ESM.

You are also requested to get the news published in the local dailies. Translation in local languages may please be carried out at your end.

UNHAPPY OVER NON GRANT OF OROP), EX-SERVICEMEN DEPOSIT MEDALS WITH THE PRESIDENT FIFTH TIME ON 25 OCT 09 AT JANTAR MANTAR

Dear Members of the Media

1. The Govt continues to ignore the grant of One Rank One Pension demand of Ex Servicemen (ESM). The Prime Minister in his speech at Red Fort on 15 Aug 09 had stated that pensions of JCOs and other ranks have been enhanced. Even, these orders have not yet been issued by the Govt. Why there should be so much delay? Is it that bureaucracy with intent to harass the Ex Servicemen is causing hurdles in issuing the necessary orders? The Ex Servicemen are very angry and hurt on this attitude of the Govt. In order to express their anger and resentment the representatives of ex servicemen under the umbrella of Indian Ex Servicemen Movement from all states assembled at Jantar Mantar New Delhi to return their medals to the President once again. Two Thousand (2000) medals were collected between 10 O clock to 2 PM and a delegation to ten ex-servicemen Col P I S Phoolka, Col Kirt Joshipura, Warrant Officer Bala Thilkan, Honarary Capt Jarnail Singh, Sep Jagrup Singh, Sargent J S Kohli, Commander Gurjinder Singh Sindhu, Sub Maj Jagmeet Singh, Sub Maj Manphool Singh, Sub Maj Prithavi Singh. All members of the steering committee of IESM including Lt Gen Raj Kadyan, Chairman, Maj Gen Satbir Singh Vice Chairman, Maj Gen P K Ranjan were present at Jantar Mantar. The ex servicemen present their anguish and strongly recommended that the movement must be intensified throughout the Country to get the demand of One Rank One Pension met at the earliest. They all resolved to continue their struggle in a pieceful and dignified manner within the democratic norms and discipline. It may please be noted that Ex Servicemen have already deposited 20000 medals with the President.

2. A few facts regarding pensions of Defence Personnel are reemphasised as under:-

An old pensioner Sepoy with 17 years of service gets a pension of Rs 3500/-per month only where as a Sepoy retiring after 2006 with same years of service gets a Pension of Rs 7045/- per month. Like wise all Ex servicemen of all ranks who retired prior to 01 Jan 06 will draw much less pension as compared to their counter parts retiring after 01 Jan 2006 This is totally unjust, illegal and happens only in our Country.

A Major General pre 2006 retiree will get far less pension than A Lt Col, who is four ranks junior, who retired after 01-01-06. Likewise , other senior rank officers ie Brig, Col, Lt Col, Maj, Capt, Lt, PBORs who are pre 2006 retirees will get less pension than their counterparts who retired after 01-01-06. This is a weird situation which is also a blantant violation of Article 14 of the constitution. A senior rank officer must never get less pension than his junior rank officer irrespective of the date of retirement. The very functioning of the Army Rank structure is being adversely affected since the present serving personnel are the future retirees.

There is far too large a gap --- of Rs 11600 --- between Major and Lt Col. Similarly, too large a gap has been created between the pensions of Major General and Lt Gen i.e Rs 9800/- The pensions of Lt Col, Col, Brig and Major General have been kept in a rather too narrow a range ie Rs 25700 – Rs 26700/-, a gap of only Rs 1000. The length of service and level of responsibility held have not been given due weigatage. Between Col and Maj Gen, the difference in pension is only Rs 650/-. The anomaly is too glaring. There should be sufficient gap, between the pensions of successive ranks and there should be no large variations within a particular rank. While implementing the Supreme Court judgment in the case of Maj Gens, the Govt has accepted the concept of granting the same pension to pre 96 and post 96 retirees with same rank and same service the plea made by Maj Gens when 5th Pay Commission was implemented. In the same way, the Govt should have applied the same concept in the case of pre 01 Jan 2006 and Post 01 Jan 2006 retirees of all ranks.

Three Assured Carrier Progressions (ACP) concept has been accepted as 6th CPC award. But the same has not been applied to the past pensioners. The past pensioners should also be given the benefit of ACP by notionally applying the concept to them and their pensions fixed accordingly.

3. All ESM of India are resentful of the Govt attitude in not accepting their most genuine demands. The Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) which is an Umbrella Organisation of all ESM Organisations and ESM and has been spearheading the protest movement since 27 April 2008 to get Justice to the Defence Forces has decided to intensify the movement. Even the Request made by IESM to the President for an audience more than two month ago has not yet been granted. More protest events have been planned which will continue till all demands are met.

4. One cannot help recall the words of President Obama from the address he delivered to the US veterans on 17 Aug 2009. “……These are commitments that we make to the patriots who serve-from the day they enlist to the day that they are laid to rest……”

Saturday, October 24, 2009

After having undergone a week's training, in the Training Centre, it dawns upon in the mind of an young recruit that he is being trained to defend his motherland. But the hazard of his profession will be known to him only on posting to a field area unit. Yes, to defend, on the face of danger to his life - the giving away of his life, i.e. the SUPREME SACRIFICE.

AND NO QUESTIONS ASKED. For Physical or Mental comforts. For Pay and Allowances. For Perks and Benefits. For Family or Friends Happenings. For Home-Made Foods and Parents Wellbeing.. For Native or homeland customs and traditions.

Disciple and Obedience coupled with Sincerity and Hard work is drilled into his mind, come what may. And these qualities remain with him (Serving or Retired) throughout his life.

Like THE SUN GOD, the SUPER-NATURAL AND SUPREME POWER ON EARTH, essestial and useful for sustenance of all living beings, the SOLDIER is used for all and every purpose apart from his basic duties. Call them NATIONAL DISASTERS, Floods, Earthquakes, Accidents(Air, Marine, Rail and Road), Fire Breakouts, Internal Unrest, Riots, Relief and Rehabilitation Works, Tackle Naxals or The Terrorists etc. And to put it straight/blunt, ON ALL FAILED FRONTS OF CIVIL ADMINISTRATION, WHERE -EVER, WHENEVER AND HOWEVER THEY FAILED.

AND, NO QUESTIONS ASKED !

This prompts to link up with the following article with the SOLDIER, although he never MATCH anywhere near to THE SUPREME SUN GOD.

Please go on, read the wonderful story........
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" THANK YOU SUN, FOR BEING THERE." (BY VITHAL C NADKARNI)
‘‘Where does the Sun sleep?’’ the bright-eyed child asks her father. She and her family are celebrating Chhath on the Chowpatty seafront in Mumbai. The winter festival of the setting Sun is so named because it falls on the sixth (chhath) day of Kartik, which comes just a week after the festival of lights.

The father, who’s been fasting the previous day, looks askance at the mother. But she just smiles as her daughter continues to clamour for an answer. The father would dearly love to fob off the child with a fanciful story about the Sun’s golden boat that’s supposed to be tethered under the horizon. But this would only open a new round of implacable questions.

Eventually, he decides to let in his daughter on the ‘secret’ of the rotating earth and the ever-awake Sun. But how does one explain that to a five-year-old in simple sound bytes? Then he gets a brainwave: Why not fall back on the age-old rationale of the Chhath festival itself as an explanation? ‘‘Bitiya, do you know why we observe Chhath ka parva – the festival of the sixth day?’’ he asks the child who shakes her head uncertainly.

‘‘On this occasion we thank the Sun for not sleeping ever and for giving us all the bounties of dhaan, dhan aur tan – crops, wealth and body or life itself. The Sun never sleeps. Being such a mighty star he does not need to rest ever,’’ the father explains further.

‘‘If he did, everything on earth would come to an end. Unlike him we do need to rest and sleep. So every evening, he seems to hide behind the Earth, who does a daily pradhakshina, a circumambulation around the star, just as we do out of gratitude and reverence.’’

Chhath is mainly viewed as a Bihari festival, and it is celebrated wherever people from Bihar have migrated to, whether in Mumbai or in Mauritius.

That Chhath is today celebrated across communities only enhances the essentially spiritual, ecological or even egalitarian dimensions of the festival. Chhath stands for thanksgiving to a star that is venerated in the Indian tradition as the only visible (pratyaksha) form of God, one that can be seen every day. Moreover, the Sun illuminates and sustains life not in a petty province or two but on a planetary scale. Hence the ancient rishis held it in high esteem as a manifest form of Brahmn: Asavodityo Brahmah, says the Rig Veda.

That also led them to an immensely popular cult based on the Gayatri Mantra. This is considered to be one of the most sacred universal practices that invoke the creative principle of the Sun in the form named Savitr.

The Chhath ceremonies however eschew deification, although there are attempts to overwrite its subaltern origins by connecting the ritual with the legendary Mahabharata hero Karna, the ‘son’ of Surya who was known for his valour and generosity.

Chhath also connects to the folk and rural roots of worshippers. The folk songs sung on the eve of Chhath are mainly in Maithili, Magadhi and Bhojpuri dialects that mirror the culture and social mores of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and the Terai regions.

In other respects Chhath is modern and inclusive. It appeals also to those who are uncomfortable with idol worship because it is a celebration of and a thanksgiving to the Sun for just being there, a great blaze in the sky.

Friday, October 23, 2009

THE FOLLOWINGIS POSTED FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL VETERAN BROTHERS:-
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A. THE NEWSPAPER REPORT OF 21.10.09, ON THE COMMANDERS CONFERENCE. FOR FULL DETAILS, PLEASE > CLICK HERE

3. A COMPENDIUM CONTAINING ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION/POLICIES PERTAINING TO THE AFFAIRS OF EX-SERVICE (ABOUT 350 PAGES). SINCE IT IS LENGTHY, LOT OF TIME AND PATIENCE IS REQUIRED FOR PERUSING THE SAME. FOR FULL VIEW OF THE COMPENDIUM, PLEASE> CLICK HERE

THE FOLLOWING IS POSTED FOR KIND INFORMATION OF ALL VETERANS:-
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Dear Veterans Gavini,

Regards.Find below a communique faxed by my organization to 6th pay Commission cell (Army) and PCDA (P) Allahabad to find ou the latest position of OROP as announced by the Govt.earlier.Please paste on your blog for thew information of underprivileged veterans.I shall be much obliged.

2. Please advise the latest position of OROP as announced by the Govt.in budget on 06-07- 2009.

3. We further request Ministry of Defence to restrict usage of nasty term ' PBOR' for JCOs, SNCOs, NCOs and other ranks as this section of veterans think it as most humiliating when addressed as such. Some other proper and respectable term may be coined as a substitute to this term.

Monday, October 19, 2009

YES. Your guess is right. The Govt did not announce the Pre-06 Pension Package on the THREE MOST IMPORTANT occassions, MAHATMA'S BIRTHDAY, DUSSEHRA (VIJAY DIWAS) AND DIWALI (FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS) and till. Unable to wait any longer, and to get the Veteran folk relieved some of the TENSIONS, The Tentative Pension Tables, prepared/posted in this blog Y'day(and ex-airmen SNCO blog on 14.10.09).

It also appears that the JINX is sitting pretty on the terms OROP and PBOR, for a long time. So, CHANGE, WE CAN, I thought and coined and posting them here as E P I P (ENHANCED PARITY IN PENSION) and O T O Rs (OTHER THAN OFFICER RANKS), for information and usage.

Govt. delay in the release of orders bodes WELL for us. Because, any proposal in the negative approval usually made known FAST. In this case, the feeling is MORE THAN ONE favourable alternatives are at work.

With these +ve vibes, another attempt is made on the EPIP based on the following CoS recommendations, for arriving at THE EXISTING PENSION rates(@MINIMUM FOR 15 YRS ONLY), so that the EPIP could easily be deduced:-

(1) To RECKON the Pensions of all Pre-1.1.06--ORs Pensioners, with reference to a 'NOTIONAL MAXIMUM" in the POST 1.1.06 REVISED PAY STRUCTURE Corresponding to "THE MAXIMUM OF PRE-6TH CPC Pay Scales, as per the FITMENT TABLE of each rank, AND

(2) Also to continue THE ENHANCED WEIGHTABE AWARDED BY THE GOM.

Thus, the NOTIONAL MAXIMUM in the post -1.1.06 Revised Pay Structure, corresponding to the MAXIMUM OF Pre-06th CPC Pay Scales) is mentioned against each rank of X and Y groups of the ARMY, NAVY and AIR FORCE. From this figure, the Existing Basic Pension is deduced after applying the Pension calculation formula (Notional Max.amt /2 x 15 yrs+wtg/33). The EP is added with 50%DP+ 40%weghtage +GCB+Classification Pay(both in full). All the details are taken from ASI/01/S/08 (for Army pensioners), AFSI 1/S/08 (IAF PensionerS) and NSI 1/S/08 (Navy Pensioners). And so, the PROBABLE EPIP for Pre-06 Armed Forces Pensioners:-

MWO(9550)-17770/2X--DITTO--=5385+2693+2154 = 10232 - 10240
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A WORD OF CAUTION:-
THIS IS STRICTLY UN-OFFICIAL AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF INFORMATION AMONGST VETERANS ONLY. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO AWAIT FOR THE ORDERS OF THE GOVT. LIKELY TO BE ISSUED SOON.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

THE FOLLOWING IS POSTED (RECEIVED FROM VETERAN PJ SINGHJI) FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL :-
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ONE MR.ANIL WROTE-
Dear Friends,

A 4yrs old girl named POOJA was kidnapped by a person at some place and now she is under Kerala Police custody. Since the baby could not communicate her identification clearly, Police is struggling to find her parents. The flg information was given by the baby which may or may not be correct also. Requesting all to forward her photograph to the maximum people in India to identify her parents / relatives. this will cost only your time and will help one life..

Information given by the baby :

POOJA

Father's Name : Mr. Rajkiran
Mother's Name : Mrs. Munny Devi
Language : HINDI
Place : Nagaluppi (this was pronounced by the baby which Police could not find such a place. The place must be related to the mentioned name). She is having one younger Brother & Elder Sister.
Pls do not ignore this mail.
Kindly forward.
It will cost you nothing more than few minutes......
A life is at stake.
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KINDLY INFORM
Anil Kumar anil9_11@yahoo.com
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(VIA E-MAIL FROM VET PRABHJOT SINGHJI)

The views of EX SGT J WALAWALKAR(via- e-mail), reproduced below for the information and needful of all Veteran brothers:-
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Sir, It is very easy to ask you, what is my pension, on your blog, just like you take a pains and we will eat fruit free of cost. Please ask all the X servicemen, who are interested in OROP, to kindly write individually to Finance Minister and Defence Minister directly, Respected Sir, if at least 6 lakhs letters goes to Each Ministry, it will have a great impact.

Respected Sir, let us try, it may cost us Rs 20/= each, if we write on blog, ministers are not bothered, but if so many letters come in, at least the Ministry will be with full of letters. and then they will have to think on it. Thanks & Regards,

X Sgt Walawalkar.
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JUST STOP AND THINK FOR A WHILE !!??

.....IF ..AND ONLY....--- Let every one of us WRITE PETITIONS and SEND in separate covers to
Her Excellency, Madam PRESIDENT/Hon. PRIME MINISTER/Hon. DEFENCE MNINSTER, about our PLIGHT of LOW-PAID PENSIONS or any other related ISSUES, each cover costing Rs.5/ each(3x5=total Rs.15/-).

JUST IMAGINE, the quantum of petitions to the tune of 20-25 lakhs flooding the C-in-C/PRIME MINISTER/DEFENCE MINISTER Peshis.

Definitely, their thinking as well as that of higher ups concerned, shall change to a great extent, as they will come to know the reality.

And, NOW THERE IS a feeling that ALL IS WELL with us, since such petitions are very less or negligible.
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--CHANGE WE CAN----

---SHAPE THINGS TO YOUR LIKING-----GO -- GET---THINGS DONE--- NO WAITING FOR SOMEONE'S RESCUE------SELF HELP IS THE BEST HELP-----

Saturday, October 17, 2009

The following is posted for the benefit of all readers of the blog:-
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Change is the inevitability of life. Our interpretation of change determines our attitude and approach to life. What is apparently beneficial is accepted without any fuss. When it comes to accepting the inconvenient and the unpleasant, there begins conflict and resentment. However, the seemingly hopeless situations that are very painful to deal with are also instruments of change. ''What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly,'' wrote Richard Bach.

Every seemingly hopeless situation is pregnant with the potential to effect improvement. It's just that one usually looks at the problem in a way that's too upfront. That creates a myopic perspective in dealing with the problem.

Like Godel's theorem, which states that no part of a system can comprehend the system as long as it is an integral part of the system. As we distance ourselves from the problem, and have a bird's-eye perspective, we can begin to see the issue in another light. Anticipation of the problem always tends to magnify the event and imagine it to be much more frightful. Anticipation should prepare, not scare.

A rigid approach that expects things to happen in a specific way only makes matters worse. The ability to adapt is what can make things better. Rigidity limits available options. It severely handicaps creativity, which is considered the mother of solutions. Serendipity happens only because the mind is open and willing to look at the same thing differently.

An alternative viewpoint is critical to make the most of any given situation. The severest of problems have more often than not brought out the best from many individuals. Isn't it also said: "Necessity is the mother of invention"?

The process of strategising while solving a problem throws up many facets of ourselves that we never knew existed. Adversity has been a blessing often enough and ought to be respected rather than feared. Complications arise most often because we take things personally and too seriously. Surrender only destroys self-esteem. Fighting enhances it. The difference between the two is just a matter of attitude.

Helplessness is a state of the mind. Most successful businessmen and corporate executives are paid for their ability to keep cool in the most trying of circumstances. They probably begin where others stop trying. Fixing the blame is not what absolves one of failure. Fixing the problem is the only redemption.

Anger, fear, resentment and frustration only muddle neural networks. They are mere manifestations of the fight, flight or fright response. What is actually needed is a right, bright and trite response. This response can only be attained with a calm and controlled thought process. Knee-jerk responses are just reflexes without any form of cerebration. They are most often fruitless. A deliberate, conscious effort needs to be inculcated to programme a conditioned response.

A positive approach is a big help, as it tends to activate the right brain, the one that has great intuitive abilities. The most appropriate response to any problem would be whole-brained. That is with both the right and left hemispheres giving their inputs. The dominant half the left brain in right-handed persons and right brain in left-handed persons enables analysis, logic and assessment. It tends to be a fragmentary approach. The right has a more intuitive, subtle and holistic approach. A combined two-pronged approach is much more likely to bring out the best in adversity and make it easier for the butterfly in you to take wing.

The following is posted for the benefit of information of all Veteran brothers:-
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What is Human Life Value ?

Yes. It’s a price tag on human life. Every humanbeing is priceless to his family. But it becomes necessary to evaluate a human life in terms of money, in order to safeguard from under-insurance problems. Under-insurance at times leaves no trace of insurance when it fails to serve the purpose for what it was effected. Insurance on Human Life should be sought keeping in mind, the financial loss that the family would suffer in his/her absense. Instead of buying Life insurance policies as a tool for reducing tax liability, provision for old age, to venture into stock markets on a small scale etc, it would make sense if insurance is sought from the angle of economic replacement of human life value.

Human Life Value concept was founded by Dr. Solomon S. Huebner, the founder of ‘The American College of Life Underwriters’, in the 1920’s. HLV concept is used by various professionals like Underwriters, Courts, etc. for determining the economic value for a Human Life. For the victims of the ‘Terrorist attack of September 11, 2001′ on the twin towers, courts decided the amount of settlement based on this concept.

HUMAN LIFE VALUE of a earning member in the family could be defined as the amount that the family would require to retain the same standard of living in the absence of the earning member. This would be the maximum amount for which a person can seek insurance protection.
Human Life Value based on Income:

The first step towards computation of Human life value would be to determine the net annual income of the person after deducting the amount spent by him for his personal use. This amount will be the amount that he affords to his family annually. Let us assume that the person is 40 years of age and his annual income after deducting all his personal expenses sums up to Rs.3,60,000. So, in order to get this amount annually in the absence of this earning member, his family would need Rs.45,00,000 on his demise (This assumption is based on investment of Rs.45,00,00 as fixed deposit @ rate of 8% interest per annum). However, the erosion money value due to inflation was not taken into account in this method.

Human Life Value based on expenditure:

The more complex calculation of HLV is based on expenditure that the family has to meet out after the earning member’s life. The factors such as age of life expectency of spouse, number of children and their dependancy period on the family, monthly household expenditure, cost of inflation, outstanding loans etc., are to be taken into account in the calculation of this type of HLV. Of course, the disposable assets if any the family posesses, value of the same could be deducted from the total amount that family needs. Say, if the earning member left behind an asset valued at Rs.20 lakhs the same could be deducted from Rs.45 lakhs of capital requirement of the family worked out. So, as per our illustration, the family would require Rs.25 lakhs in addtion to the disposable asseet valued at Rs.20 lakhs, to earn an amount of Rs.30,000/- per month.

Type of Insurance :

Now, the type of life Insurance product that you want to choose in order to get the coverage of Rs.25,00,000/-, is an important decision.

The following will be the premium amount that you have to pay annually under different Life Insurance products. Well known insurance products in the indian market are Term Insurance, Pure Endowment Plans, and ULIP (Unit Linked Insurance Plans).

The bottom line is one should get his life covered for sum that would serve the purpose of fulfilling all the financial needs of the family in his absence. Taking an insurance cover for a small amount that would not serve the purpose is as bad as not taking any life cover.

The following request is posted for information of all Veterans:-
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"Sir/Madam,
Please find in attached files in Hindi and English the suggestion referred to above. Kindly email or send your valuable comments to the following address. We plan to take this PIL to Supreme Court after discussing with Citizens across the Nation and including their views in the text to the best of our ability.

The following is posted for the benefit of information of all Veterans:-
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A Simple and Meaningful Guide

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think It's important to know how and when to eat..

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! - FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit on an empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD - Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit.. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid..The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat water-melon I burp, when I eat durian (fruit from Asia with a foul smell yet delicious flavor) my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc. - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes - all these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans.. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it.

You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoid which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE: Sweetest medicine, eating 2 to 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes...

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can you believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, please read on,
It feels nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this.....It could save your life!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The following is posted for the information of all Veteran Brothers:-
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The Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, completes five years of its existence next week. Set up on September 22, 2004, the department caters exclusively to the rehabilitation and welfare of about 21 lakh Ex-Servicemen (ESM) population and another five lakh ESM widows. Nearly 60,000 ESM are added to this huge number every year, largely due to perhaps the highest attrition rate in any organized sector among the Armed Forces in order to retain a youthful profile of the fighting forces, their primary task. Taken together with ESM dependents ranging between 50-70 lakhs, the Department of ESW shoulders responsibility of the welfare of roughly one crore population of ESM and their dependents.

The Department of ESW achieves its objectives through its three attached offices, consisting of the Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR), the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) and the Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), besides coordinating with the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad. In January 2008 the Department of ESW came to be headed by a full-fledged Secretary-level officer, underlining the government’s commitment to the concerns of the huge ESM population. Besides helping the veterans resettle in a suitable second career, the department provides healthcare and ensures timely payment of benefits and pension to the ESM and their dependents.

The Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) is the first avenue for the Services personnel on the verge of superannuation. It imparted training to over 34,000 officers and Persons Below Officer Rank (PBORs) during 2008-09 besides granting jobs to 51,000 ESM and securing placement for another 30,000 ESM in DGR-sponsored security agencies last year. The DGR, being the nodal agency for resettlement of ESM, has in recent years tied up with reputed management institutes to offer post-graduate diplomas to Services officers. It runs several successful ESM reemployment programmes including the popular Mother Dairy Milk and Fruit and Vegetable booths, placement in empanelled private security agencies, coal tipper scheme, allotment of army surplus vehicles, management of CNG stations and toll plazas under the NHAI and sponsoring ESM for the allotment of 8 percent quota of LPG, petrol pump and kerosene outlets reserved for wartime/peacetime widows and disabled soldiers. Last year 287 Mother Dairy outlets were allotted to ESM/dependents sponsored by the DGR. The DGR’s stupendous success in the placement of ESM in security agencies can be gauged from the fact that the number of ESM employed jumped from over 27,000 in 2007 to over 40,000 in 2008 while another over 17,000 have been successfully granted placement this year till May, 2009.

The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), the apex body for the welfare of war-wounded and other Ex-Servicemen (ESM), keeps in constant touch with the large ESM community, fulfilling their needs and aspirations through the 32 Rajya Sainik Boards and 355 Zila Sainik Boards spread across the country. KSB doles out about Rupees 7 crores aid every year to ESM, widows, children and orphans through welfare schemes out of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which includes the Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund ranging between Rs.5,000-1,25,000. The government recently amended the eligibility to include ESM up to the rank of Havildar and equivalent in the Navy and Air Force under the scheme. In another major initiative the KSB has in recent years replaced the crude motorized tricycles with the new modified 4-wheeled Honda Activa scooters distributed free of cost to the disabled ESM. The KSB also provides funds to the Red Cross Society, Cheshire Homes and Military Hospitals for the treatment and care of ESM and their wards and administers the award of more than 3,500 Prime Minister’s scholarships every year to wards of ESM.

The Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is another big success story in the Department of ESW’s endeavours and concerns for the ESM welfare. Founded in April 2003, the ECHS today has a vast network of 2,267 polyclinics, its membership jumping nearly ten-fold, - from 3.5 lakhs in 2005 to over 30 lakhs. ESM with disabilities who had to travel long distances to the Artificial Limb Centre, Pune, are now getting such medical aid from about 150 Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) -empanelled centres across the country. The government has also hiked ECHS allocation from Rs. 82.85 crore in 2004-05 to Rs. 690 crores in the current financial year. The Department of ESW further proposes to include soon the Nepal-domiciled Gorkhas, who continue to receive medical aid from the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, under the ECHS and has given ‘in principle’ approval for setting up a Pension Payments Office (PPO) in Butwal, Nepal.

But all efforts and welfare schemes would come to a naught if the ESM does not get his monthly dues on time. The Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Allahabad is the nodal office, handling pension for about a whopping 17 lakh ESM and dependents through banks, treasuries, Pension Disbursing Offices besides the vast postal network all over the country. The government has recently issued instructions to issue simultaneous notification of Service and Disability Pension to avoid delays in release of the latter. Unmarried daughters over 25 years of age and widowed/divorced daughters dependent on the ESM have now been granted family pension and several other steps to support the ESM dependents have been introduced. Other major initiatives include, - hiking minimum pension from Rs. 1,913 to Rs.3,500 pm, removal of linkage of full pension with a qualifying service of 33 years from Jan.01, 2006, commutation of pension increased, gratuity hiked from Rs.3.5 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs and special family pension hiked from Rs.2,550 to Rs.7,000 pm. The government has also improved pension for Ex-service personnel, besides benefits accruing out of the Sixth Pay Commission including Military Service Pay to Armed Forces personnel and awarding a higher separate Pay Bands for officers of the rank of Lt. General and Lt. Colonel, or equivalent, respectively. Additional pension has been granted in varying range for elderly pensioners, with the government granting cumulative benefits of Rs.2,144 crores to the men in the three Services and the ESM.

Pension Adalats have been a tremendous success in settling disputes related to ESM spread across the country; six such Adalats are normally held in places with large concentration of ESM population.

In contribution of the sacrifices made by the martyrs, war-wounded, Ex-Servicemen and their dependents, the DGR marks December 7 every year as the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) when the nation remembers its veterans and generously contributes to the Flag Day Fund.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS POSTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL VETERANS:-
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The Reserve Bank of India, have issued guidelines for reconciliation/crediting of amounts on account of
failure of ATM machines(WRONGFUL DEBIT OF AMOUNT), by the concerned banks to the customers, within a timeframe OF 12 DAYS, from the date of receipt of complaint from the customer. Failure to do so by the banks will attract a penality of Rs.100 per day.

THE FOLLOWING IS POSTED FOR INFORMATION OF ALL VETERANS:-
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Lodge A Complaint/Grievance:

Orders are in place for dealing with the grievances of the customers of the banks. The details of the Grievance handling officers alongwith the telephone numbers are prominently displayed at all banks.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS POSTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL VETERANS:-
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In an order which would benefit a large number of armed forces personnel, the Supreme Court has ruled that disabled soldiers who opt pre-mature retirement at their own request are entitled to disability pension.

Defence personnel with disabilities attributable to or aggravated by military service are eligible for disability pension. The government, however, had been refusing payment of disability pension to personnel who had left the forces voluntarily on compassionate grounds. The reason given for denial was that such personnel were technically not deemed to have been ?invalided out? of service.

Upholding a Delhi High Court order, A division bench of the apex court comprising Justice P P Naolekar and L S Panta a few days ago dismissed a special leave petition (SLP) filed by the Central government against the high court order.

Acting upon a petition filed by ex-soldier Mahavir Singh Narwal, a division bench of the HC, headed by Justice Vijender Jain had, in 2004, held that disabled personnel obtaining release on compassionate grounds would also remain entitled to disability pension.

The Central government had gone into appeal in the case and the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the HC order till it passed final orders in January and dismissed the SLP.

Entitlement Rules for disability pension notified by the central government in the year 1982, simply provide that an individual would be deemed to have been “invalided” if, at the time of release, he was in a lower medical category than the one in which he was recruited.

Lawyer and author of a book on military benefits, Capt Navdeep Singh informed that the Army had also time and again taken up the issue for grant of disability pension for voluntary retirees with the central government and successive pay commissions but to no avail. The issue has also reportedly been taken up with the Sixth Pay Commission.

The Pension Regulations for the Army provide that disability pension can be granted if a person is invalided out with 20 per cent or more disability. The Regulations further provide that persons discharged on completion of terms of engagement or attaining retirement age shall also be deemed to have been invalided out.

Many ex-servicemen and lawyers have been contending that disability pension is granted as a compensation for injuries and diseases suffered due to military service and an early compassionate or voluntary discharge had nothing to do with the underlying reason behind such pension.

THE FOLLOWING INFO IS POSTED FOR INFORMATION OF ALL VETERANS:-
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1. INTRODUCTION

Service conditions of Defence Personnel are extremely, exacting, tough, rigorous and peculiar to the Services. To maintain a fit and youthful profile, defence personnel particularly of lower ranks are retired at a young age with limited pension, saddled with pending domestic responsibilities. The Army’s engagement in counter-insurgency operations in J&K and the North East has also resulted in casualties every year, leaving behind widows and children in need of support.

To encourage higher technical and professional educational for the wards of widows and Ex-servicemen of Armed Forces, it has been decided to introduce a new scholarship scheme known as the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme from the Academic Year 2006-07.

2. ELIGIBILITY
Persons eligible for the Scholarship

Wards of Ex-servicemen and their widow(below Officer rank)

•Wards of widows of Ex-servicemen died in harness due to causes attributed to military service

•Widows of Ex-servicemen died in harness

•The scheme is open only for widows and unmarried wards of Ex-servicemen/widows. However, marriage/re-marriage at a subsequent date would not disqualify the awardee.

Order of Perference

If the number of applications for scholarship exceeds the approved number of scholarships, the orders of preference for allotment of scholarships will be as under:-

Category1 Wards/widows of defence personnel killed in action

Category 2 Wards of Ex-servicemen disabled in action and boarded out of service with disability attributable to military service

Category 3 Wards/Widows of defence personnel who died while in service for causes attributable to military service.

Category 4 Wards/Widows of Defence personnel disabled in service with disability attributable to military service.

Category 5 Wards of Ex-servicemen in receipt of gallantry awards

Category 6 Wards of Ex-servicemen (PBOR)

Courses eligible for scholarship

First professional degree program in engineering, medicine, dental, veterinary, MBA,MCA, etc., duly recognized by the respective Government regulatory bodies, such as All India Council for Technical education, Medical Council of India etc.

The scheme is open for courses mentioned above in recognized institutions irrespective of its location in the country vis-a vis the residence/domicile of the wards of the ESM/Widows.

Academic Requirement

At least 60% marks at the 10+2 level for the initial sanction. For renewal in subsequent years, 50% marks each year.

3. DURATION OF THE SCHOLARSHIP

Two to five years as approved by the concerned regulatory body for that program.

4. AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP

The amount of scholarship would be as follows:

•Rs.1250/- per month for boys

•Rs.1500/- per month for girls

The payment of scholarship will be granted after the successful completion of each academic year, as per the percentages mentioned in the academic requirement.

Note: The amount of scholarship including any other scholarship of financial assistance from any other source will not exceed the total amount of scholarship available under this scheme.

5. RENEWAL OF SCHOLARSHIP

Once the scholarship is awarded, the candidate is required to apply for renewal of scholarship for the subsequent year in the prescribed proforma alongwith a certificate form the College/Institute indicating that the candidates continues to study in the subject course and State of Marks indicating the percentage.

6. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURE

i.Completed application are to be dispatched directly to Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, Wing No.5, West Block-IV, RK Puram, New Delhi-110 066, so as to reach by 31 August every year.

ii.Incomplete application forms and applications received after the specified date will NOT be considered. A wrong or misleading entry will lead to rejection of the application. Any deletion/correction should be initialed by the applicant himself/herself.

iii.Receipt of only those applications received by the due date will be acknowledged. Late receipted applications will not be processed.

iv.Selected applicants will be informed directly by the Kendriya Sainik Board.

v.Two stamped self addressed envelopes of 27x12 cms are to be attached with each application so as to facilitate acknowledgement of receipt of the application form.

vi.The scheme is open for widows and unmarried wards of ESM/widows. However, marriage/remarriage subsequently would not disqualify a person.

vii.The scholarship is admissible for two children only per family. Therefore, particulars of all children should be indicated in appropriate column.

viii.If an applicant granted scholarship on the basis of statement made in the application si at any subsequent date foung to have made false statement in any respect, both the wards of ESM/widow will forfeit the scholarship and no application from the ESM/widows would be entertained in future. In addition, the scholarship already granted would also have to be refunded.

ix.The attested photocopies of the supporting documents duly attested both by the Secretary, Rajya/Zilla Sainik Board and OIC Records, in case of validly adopted sons/daughters prior to the death of the deceased are to be attached with application form.

x.If the marks in the qualifying examination are expressed in grades only, then equivalent percentage(100 point scale) duly certified by the concerned Board must be furnished.

xi.All wards receiving scholarship will open individual bank accounts in the principal bank designated by the institute concerned.

xii.The wards should have secured a minimum of 60% marks at 10+2 level or equivalent in first attempt and continue to secure minimum of 50% marks uninterrupted for continuation of scholarship in every year for duration of courses ranging for a maximum period of 2 to 5 years as prescribed for that program of study. A person having been granted scholarship for one program would not be entitled for scholarship for another program.

xiii.Scholarship is meant for Medical, Dental, Veterinary, Engineering/MCA,MBA and other professional program recognized by the concerned government regulatory body for the program such as AICTE,UGC,Medical Council of India etc.

xiv.The scheme is open for courses mentioned above in recognized institutions irrespective of its location in the country vis-a vis the residence/domicile of the wards of the ESM/widows.

xv. The rate of scholarship would be Rs.1250/- per month for boys and Rs.1500/- for girls for the course as per duration mentioned in para(xii) above.

xvi.The payment of scholarship will be granted after the successful completion of each academic year, as per the percentages mentioned in “Criteria for eligibility”.

xvii.The payment for the scholarship will be centrally made by KSB directly, through account payee cheques, to be credited in personal account of the individual ward or through electronic clearing system.

xviii.If the number of applications exceeds the approved number of scholarship, the selection will be made on the basis of order of preference indicated in para 2.2 above.

xix.The amount of scholarship including any other scholarship of financial assistance from any other source should not exceed the total grant of assistance available under this scheme.

xx.The Ministry of Defence, Government of India can suitably modify these instructions to remove difficulties, if any, for successful implementation of the scheme, as may be necessary from time to time.

xxi.The decision of Secretary,KSB with regard to the admissibility of the scholarship to the wards of Ex-servicemen/widows from Armed Forces shall be final.

xxii.Ex-servicemen entitlement will be governed as per the existing definition of Ex-servicemen as may be amended from time to time.

xxiii.The application form can also be downloaded from the official websidte i.e., http://www.dgrindia.com/ However, in case the applicant submits the application in the downloaded form, the same will be accompanied by a Demand Draft or Indian Postal Order for Rs.30/- in favour of Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board, New Delhi.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS POSTED FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL VETERANS:-
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1.2 percent of posts reserved in Group ‘III’ and ‘IV’ in the State services.

2.Cash awards are given to winners of Gallantry and Distinguished service awards. Click here for Details >>
3.Children of Armed Forces Personnel (CAP) hailing from Andhra Pradesh are given reservation in the Educational Institutions as under :-

a) MBBS, BDS, BVSc., Nursing Trg. - 1%

b) Engg, B.Arch., B. Pharmacy, B.Sc(Agri)-- 2%

c) B.Ed.,, ITI, B.Sc(Lib.Sc) - 3%

d) Teachers Training Course - 4%

e) MCA, MBA,LLB, LLM, M.Ed, M.Tech., - 1 in block of 30 seats.

4.Exemption from payment of property tax in respect of the houses owned by Ex-Servicemen/widows of Ex-Servicemen and serving personnel for their self dwelling purpose, for one house/property. (Auth: G.O.Ms.No.83 MA, Dt.15-03-1997 of M.A and U.D (TC) Deptt.,)

5.Enhanced financial assistance @ Rs.500/-p.m. to Non-pensioner II World War Veterans, Rs.400/- for widows of World War Veterans II wef.01-12-2006.

6.Ex-Servicemen who were NCOs and below are entitled for 5 acres dry land or 2.5 acres wet land. Officers and JCO's are not eligible.(Auth: G.O.Ms.No.743, Dt.30-04-1963 of Revenue Department)

7.Ex-gratia grants to all ranks who are seriously disabled and are invalidated out of service – Rs.5000/-. (Author: G.O.Ms.No.25, Dt.17-01-1986 of G.A (Poll.B) Deptt.)

8.Free legal assistance is given to the Jawans, their families, Ex-Servicemen and their dependents where the Government is not a party. The persons requiring legal assistance may apply to the concerned District or Taluk Legal Aid Committee as the case may be. (Author: G.O.Ms.No.1900,Dt.17-12-1971 of Home(Courts.A) Dept.,)

9.VAT on selected items has been exempted by the State Govt on goods sold to service personnel and ex-servicemen through Unit Run canteens(CSD).

10.10 Sainik Rest Houses in Andhra Pradesh. Click here for details . It provides accommodation to serving and Ex-Servicemen, widows and dependents at very concessional rates as under :-

Note: For every additional dependent member Rs 5 per day shall be charged.

11.Govt. of Andhra Pradesh have equated Defence Service Trades with Civil trades for employment in Government service.(Author :G.O.Ms.No.16, dt.12-04-1999 of L.E & T. F (Emp) Dept.)

12.Govt. of Andhra Pradesh have equated the educational qualifications in respect of Ex-Servicemen who have put in 15 years of service in the Armed Forces for all purposes (employment ) as under :-

(a) Matriculation at the time of joining Armed Forces
- Graduate

(b) Below Matriculate - Matriculate

13.5 % of Industrial Plots/Sheds on Industrial Estates/Industrial development Areas of the A.P. Infrastructure Corporation has been reserved for Ex-Servicemen for establishment of small scale industries.

14.Ex-servicemen are exempted from payment of examination fee prescribed by UPSC and APPSC for Class-III and Class-II posts for appearing in competitive examinations. (Author: G.O.Ms.No.401, dt.26-07-1973 of G.A(Ser.A) Dept.,)

THE FOLLOWING IS POSTED FOR INFORMATION OF ALL VETERAN BROTHERS:-
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The eligibility of the retired Defence Personnel to the status of Ex-servicemen is governed by the definition as laid down by Government of India, Department of Personnel and Training. The definition has been undergoing changes from time to time. The following is the broad categorization:-

•Those released on or before 30-06-1968:- Any person who had served in any rank (whether as Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Union and has been released there from otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.

•Those released between between 01.07.1968 to 30.061979 (both days inclusive):- Any person who had served in any rank (whether as Combatant or not ) in the Armed Forces of the Union for a continuous period of six months after attestation and released there from otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.

•Those released between 01.07.1979 to 30.06.1987 (both days inclusive):- Any person who had served in any rank (whether as Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Indian Union for a continuous period of not less than six months after attestation if discharged for reasons other than at their own request or by way or dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency and not less than five years of service if discharged at own request.

•Those released on or after 01.07.1987:- Any person who had served in any rank (whether as Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Indian Union and was released/retired with any kind of pension from Defence Budget or released on completion of specific terms of engagement with gratuity otherwise than at his own request or by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.

•The personnel of Territorial Army(TA) of the following categories, Viz., pension holders for continuous embodied service; persons with disability attributable to military service ; and gallantry award winners retired on or after 15-11-1986.

The personnel of the Army Postal Service(APS) who are a part of the regular Army and retired from such service,(i.e., directly from the Army Postal service itself without reversion to P&T Department) with a pension or who have been released from such service on medical grounds, attributable to military service or circumstances beyond their control and awarded medical or other disability pension are also covered within the definition of Ex-servicemen with effect from 19-07-1989.

Recruits who were boarded out/released on medical grounds and granted medical/disability pension will also be covered under the category of Ex-servicemen for all practical purposes.

The persons discharged before July 1987 under Army Rule 13(3) iii (v) for the reason “service no longer required” will not be eligible for the status of Ex-servicemen. Individuals discharged on or after July 1987 under Army Rule 13(3) iii (V) for the reason “service no longer required” will however qualify for the status of Ex-servicemen , if they are in receipt of pension.

The eligibility of the person to the status of Ex-servicemen will be governed by the definition in vogue at the time of his discharge and will not be affected by the changes in the definition subsequent to his discharge.
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Monday, October 12, 2009

ALL VETERAN BROTHERS ARE REQUESTED TO SEE THE FOLLOWING VIEWS OF OUR VETERAN BROTHER :-
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Respected Sir,

This has reference to chat by thomasmanimala on blog.

Please note that, our ex-servicemen are writing something anti officers, respected sir, kindly note that you a great person fight for all i.e. Officers,PBORS and NC[E] also, sir, please note that all officers are not bad like wise all PBORs are not god gifted,for example, appended below please find few commanding officers i have seen in person, they were best for Airmen, and no one can challenge that.

Respected sir, we are ex-servicemen,. and to achieve our goals, we need support from every individual, kindly ask these persons to be decent at list while writing on blog because it is a public platform and everybody other than Ex-Servicemen also read it.

All veteran Brothers may go thro this article, if they wish, by an young/famous writer CHETAN BHAGAT, for an interesting reading:-
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Chetan Bhagat4 October 2009, 12:25am IST

Dear Gandhiji,

You left us 62 years ago. If you were still around, you would have been 140 years old. However, we have not forgotten you. You are on every banknote and most stamps. There are many statues of you. Prestigious roads in almost every city are named after you. Our politicians try to model themselves on you. They wear the fabric you promoted, they quote you at every instance, they've got a photograph of you in their office and some even eat and live like you. There are books, TV programmes and movies about you. Seriously you'd be impressed at how much we still adore you.

However, there are things that won't make you feel proud. The India you spent all your life making free, is far from free. True, the white guys are gone. But there are still millions of poor people. In 60 years, we are still among the poorest nations on earth. This lack of money leads to a lot of problems in healthcare, infrastructure and education. In education, for instance, many children still don't go to a good school. Those who do, don't get into good colleges. And those who go to college, don't get good jobs. We need to get rich, and fast. Not only to make more schools and colleges, but also because most Indian problems are linked to lack of money. Yet, it is considered un-Indian to think that way. The young generation, which thinks like that, is considered materialistic and greedy. The older generation takes the moral high ground - slowness in work is termed patience, non-stop discussion and no action is called careful consideration and lack of improvement in standards of living is countered with claims about the need to live with austerity. And yes, in many cases politicians who speak like this claim to be your fanboys.

The younger generation wishes you could come down for one day and clarify these points. Is progress un-Indian? Is change bad? Is a desire to see my country as rich as some other nations materialistic? Is getting things done fast impatience? If you blessed our purpose of making a developed India, the job would become so much easier.

The young generation needs you down here for something else too. We have a new battle here, just like the one you fought with the British. The enemy is not so clear like it was in your case - the white people. Our enemy is the old school of thought, or rather the people who defend the old school of thought. They do this in the name of antique Indian policies, culture and values. You could help identify this enemy more clearly. Many people who are at the helm of affairs now have served India for decades, maybe with good intentions. But obviously, they don't want to accept they screwed up. We wish they would though and we'd have a national day of shame. It won't be easy, but from there we can make a new beginning. But they won't, for they are in power. And to defend themselves and their ways, they don't mind crushing the aspirations, ideas and talent of an entire generation.

Yes, there is a lot of talk of India being a young nation and youth power. However, youth power is the biggest myth going around India right now. Of course, youth has spending power - we can buy enough SIM cards, sneakers and fizzy drinks to keep many MNCs in business. But we do not have the power to change things. Can the youth get a new college opened? Can the youth ask the government to give tax incentives to MNCs to relocate jobs to smaller towns? No way. We are wooed, used but seldom heard. If you came down, you could unite us. You used religious festivals as social events and propagated your cause. You understood that people need entertainment to bind them. Perhaps, we could integrate colleges in the same way, link all colleges - maybe for their annual festivals - and the message of change could be channelled through them. We have amazing technology such as the Internet now.

You would use it so well. If the youth unites, there could actually be youth power.

With our purpose blessed, enemy identified and youth united - we could take the first steps towards the new Indian revolution. After all, China had one, and only after that, did they get on the path of true progress.

But if it is not feasible for you to come back, we'll have to try to bring about change ourselves. If we can be inspired to do that, we can say we have not forgotten you and understand the meaning of your birthday. We hope you had a good one up there!

Lots of love,

the younger generation
(also known as Youngistan, Gen X, Gen Next and Gen Y depending on the brand you're talking about)

The writer is a bestselling author
(SOURCE ; TIMES OF INDIA 04.10.2009)
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1. The following is posted for general information of all Veteran brothers:-
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"Army chief quits suddenly as protests over troops mount"

An army major general who was extremely critical of the government's treatment of British troops in Afghanistan has suddenly resigned, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Andrew Mackay, who was recently promoted general officer commanding of the army in Scotland, the north of England, and Northern Ireland, is the latest high-flying senior army officer to quit early amid protests at the treatment of the forces.

As the brigadier commanding British troops in southern Afghanistan in 2007 and 2008, he said he had felt like a student – getting to grips with Afghanistan, counter-insurgency and managing a large organisation. He said he was struck by the lack of clear direction from above. There was a sense of "making it up as we go along", he said.

Mackay signed a "ground truth" memo, sent to London, which listed serious problems with his soldiers' equipment. It noted that many of the Household Cavalry's elderly Scimitar reconnaissance tanks had defective engines. Tanks labelled "working" could not get into reverse gear without restarting the engine, a limitation "not helpful in combat", the memo said.

A quarter of the Mastiff armoured vehicles were out of action for weeks because of suspension problems, and many of the new Vector armoured vehicles in Helmand were not being used because "the wheels just kept falling off". Heavy machine guns and reinforced Land Rovers were also in short supply, the memo added.

The memo was disclosed earlier this year in the book Operation Snakebite, by Stephen Grey, a journalist who witnessed the recapture of the town of Musa Qaleh from the Taliban, the pivotal operation of Mackay's tour for which he was awarded the CBE.

Other former British commanders in Afghanistan to have resigned prematurely include brigadier Ed Butler, who was commander in southern Afghanistan in 2006 when the then defence secretary John Reid expressed the hope that British troops would not fire a shot in anger.

Butler's decision to quit in 2008 prompted speculation that he was leaving because of frustration at the failure to provide adequate funding for the armed forces. He had spoken of the "well-known constraints and restraints" within which his soldiers were required to operate in combat operations. He resigned soon after Lt Col Stuart Tootal, who left in disgust over what he called the "appalling" and "shoddy" treatment of troops."

( Source: The Guardian, UK)
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Girls march topless in UK to support British soldiers

A dozen women paraded through Manchester topless to show their support for British troops fighting abroad. They stripped off to persuade onlookers and members of the public to dig deep and donate to plastic buckets to raise cash for British Forces. The group campaigns to get better equipment for British Forces.

1. THE FOLLOWING POST IS PASTED FOR THE INFORMATION OF ALL VETERAN BROTHERS:-
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There is need of change of mind-set among the Indian Defence Officers inheriting the Britsh Legacy

The Indian veterans have probably used their ultimate weapon of returning the medals far too early in their movement..... by Vice Admiral Harinder singh

Dear Members,An article of topical interest by a retired naval officer A Bhardwaj is forwarded for your info pl.RegardsLEADERFrom “Dewey Canyon III” to Action at Jantar MantraAtul Bharadwaj font-sizeThe Indian veterans need to identify with the civil society. They have probably used their ultimate weapon of returning the medals far too early in their movementIn 1971, many US War veterans had joined the national mainstream to protest against the invasion of Vietnam and Laos. The peaceful anti-war protest by the veterans in Washington, called “Operation Dewey Canyon III” began on 19 April 1971. On April 23, more than 800 veterans, one by one, tossed their medals, ribbons, discharge papers and other war mementos on the steps of the Capitol Hill, rejecting the Vietnam war and the significance of those awards. The protest shook the US government and received wide media coverage.Recently, the Indian veterans decided to do something similar. After protesting for more than two months at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and various other locations across the country, they finally decided to return their medals to the government. As many as 5000 medals were handed back. Undoubtedly, it is shameful on the part of the government and the administrators to be utterly disdainful of the soldiers’ plight. The veteran’s demands are plain and simple. All they are asking for is onerank one-pension. They are hardly demanding the moon, especially when one sees that “secretaries to the government, judges, MPs and MLAs have been granted one-rank onepension. That covers the full executive, legislature and top babus,” says Karan Thapar, a noted journalist. But almost all political parties have turned a blind eye to this long pending demand of the veterans.However, despite the use of this Bramha-Astra (returning medals), the veterans involved in the protest have hardly been able to awaken the national consciousness and shake people (leave alone the government) out of deep slumber, in the same manner that the US veterans had done in 1971. The question is why is this so? Many involved in the protest say that the movement is still in its infancy-they are not getting the support they need from the serving community. One fully agrees with the protesting veterans when they blame the politicians and the bureaucrats for their double speak. But what needs to be probed is why is the general public not rising up to show solidarity with the veterans? And why is the media so lukewarm owards the protestors? The public sees the entire movement to be based on a very narrow agenda of pay hike, something which they themselves have to grapple with in their daily professional life. Therefore, neither the media nor the public sees any novelty in the veteran’s movement. The nation sees the military man to be a giver, somebody who willingly sacrifices his life for providing security or “public good” for the nation. Contrast this with the emotions evoked in 1971 by the US veterans returning the medals. The American public saw them as a part of the nation, someone who could be trusted to walk alongside them o protect the nation from the clutches of warmongers. It was a national cause in which veterans participated, therefore, it was natural for the public to feel aggrieved and the White House to rise up to take some concrete measures to ameliorate the deteriorating confidence in the State. But the Indian veterans’ actions smack of parochialism. If only, they could align themselves more with people’s concerns. If only they could make efforts towards getting closer to the society at large, perhaps they would not have to rue the fact that the politicians turn a deaf ear to their valid demands. Currently, the Indian armed forces community is neither fully a part of the government’s decision making apparatus nor is it fully a part of civil society. Conscious effort will have to be made to abolish terms like “bloody civilians” from military parlance. It is only then that the Indian public will respond in the same manner as the American public responds to their military (In the US Presidential elections, candidates’ often flaunt their military service to seek the approval of the electorate). It is to be understood by the veterans that bureaucrats will never move the files in their favour and the politicians will continue to pussyfoot. It is only the civil society, which can put pressure on the government. And for the civil society to take up cudgels on behalf of the veterans, the veterans will have to show solidarity whenever the civil society comes out on the streets for a just national cause. Now some may argue that this could lead to greater militarism of the society or vice versa the military may get more civilianised in the long run. But the fact is that the civil-military amalgamation never leads to erosion of democratic ethos. In fact such interactions only help to make the country stronger. On the contrary, when the military tries to reach closer to the seat of power, the threat to democracy gets exacerbated and becomes dangerous. It is high time that the Indian military began understanding that the ambit of civil-military relationship extends beyond the narrow confines of flag ranks equations vis-a-vis their counterparts in the civil services.Atul Bhardwaj Editor Salute is a retired Naval officer. He can be contacted at atul.salute@gmail.com Vice Admiral Harinder SinghC 26, Sector 23, Noida 201301Tel 0120-2412412, 9811668776

Dear Veterans (Vice Adm.) Harinder Singh and Atul Bhardwaj,Regards.Sir(s),How can you expect that the Indian Defence Officers, inheriting the British mind-set, will delete the term "bloody civilians" from their military parlance when they have not, yet, learnt to accord proper respect to their own subordinate ranks which they deserve due to their age, education, official designation on re-employment and their status in civil society? Even if a subordinate person retires as Judge,IAS,PCS. Asstt. Labour Commissioner, Asstt. Secretary, Deputy Director from a Central or State Deptt. these officers will wish him to stand with the rank and file if they come to know about his rank in Defence. How can such persons expect to have respect and co-operation from their own veteran brethren, leave aside the civilians? I hope, I am not misunderstood for having touched the ailing nerve. Veteran Prabhjot Singh Chhatwal PLS Retd.
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